Apparatus for supporting a plurality of members

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supporting a plurality of members in spaced relation including a first base, a bore formed in the first base, a second base, a bore formed in the second base, and an elongated pin slidably secured within the bores of the first and second bases to support them in axially disposed spaced relationship. Each of the bases is designed to support a member, e. g., a wig or hair piece, thereon. The elongated pin is provided with at least one tapered end and adapted to be passed through the member supported.

United States Patent 1191 Prinz 1 Aug. 28, 1973 [54] $55322 gg t ig g AFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 169,180 10/1959 Sweden 108/91 [76]Inventor: Klaus D. Prinz, 2S1 Longview Rd., 525,985 2/1930 Germany108/101 Union, NJ. 07083 22 17-1 d: Se 13 1971 Primary Examiner-WilliamH. Schultz J e p Attorney-Popper, Bain, B01318 & 0111111611 211 App].No.1 180,035

. [57] ABSTRACT 52 us. c1 211/13, 248/159, 108/91, Apparatus for suppomga plurality of members in 108/101 spaced relation including a firstbase, a bore formed in [5 Int. Clthe first base, a second base, a boreformed in the [58] of Search 0nd base, and an elongated p "cured within21 1/33 223/66 108/91 101 the bores of the first and second bases tosupport them in axially disposed spaced relationship. Each of the [5.6]References Cited bases is designed to support a member, e. g., a wig orU IT STATES PATENTS hair piece, thereon. The elongated pin is providedwith v 2,673,700 3/1954 Eberhardt 108/53 at least one tapered end andadapted to be passed 3,198,408 8/1965 Bemer 223/66 through the membersupported.

857,763 6/1907 Smith 248/159 X 156,699 11/1874 Fuller 85/50 R 3 Claims,5 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 28, 1973 4 2 7 4 3 vs? S INVEN TOR.

FIG. 2

KLAUS D. PRINZ BY I I APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PLURALITYOF MEMBERSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to thefield of support devices. In particular, this invention relates toapparatus for supporting a plurality of intersticed members, e. g., wigsor hairpieces, in spaced stacked relationship.

Storage of all types of goods has been a problem of manufacturers,wholesalers, retailers and consumers down through the years. Thisproblem has been particularly vexing when the articles to be stored mustbe separated from adjacent articles in order to preserve theirappearance or structure. In such instnaces, the package for supportmeans must be structurally capable of supporting the goods while at thesame time the support means must be light in weight and not overlybulky.

Typical of goods which must be stored individually in order to preservetheir structure and shape are wigs or hairpieces. The acceptance of thewig as a standard element of feminine fashion and the growth of theirpopularity to the extent that many feminine wardrobes include aplurality of wigs for different occasions, has resulted in storageproblems for the average wig owner which parallel those of the averagewig retailer and wholesaler. Specifically, in order to keep their set,wigs and hairpieces must be stored in such a manner as to mainain theirhair surfaces out of contact with other adjacent surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention,therefore, to provide an apparatus for supporting a plurality of membersin spaced relation.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus forsupporting a plurality of members in spaced relation such that thesurfaces of the members are out of contact with any surface but thesurface of their specific support structure.

These objects and others which will become evident I to those skilled inthis art from a reading of the follow- 7 ing detailed description areachieved by the support structure of the present invention, oneembodiment of which may include a first base, bore means formed in thefirst base, a second base, bore means formed in the second base, and anelongated pin having a first end and a second end, the first end forbeing slidably received within the bore means in the first base, thesecond end for being slidably received within the bore means in thesecond base, the pin for positioning the first and second bases inspaced relation, and wherein the first and second bases are each adaptedto support a member, e.g., a wig, thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of thepresent invention may be had from the following description, particularly when read in the light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a support structure according to theinvention which is being utilized to support a plurality of wigs orhairpieces, the wigs or hairpieces being shown in phantom line;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of apparatus according tothe present invention showing an apparatus for supporting two members;

FIGS. 30, b and c are cross-sectional views of the top rod, elongatedpin and base rod utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 2, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring therefore to FIG. I, an apparatusaccording to the present invention is shown and designated generally bythe reference numeral 10. Specifically, apparatus 10 comprises a firstbase 12, a second base 14, a third base 15 and a fourth base 16. Secondbase 14 is disposed above and spaced from first base 12 by a verticallyaxially extending first elongated pin 18. Similarly, third base 15 isspaced axially above second base 14 by a second elongated pin 19. Fourthbase 16 is disposed vertically axially above third base 15 by a thirdelongated pin 20. Each of bases 12, 14, 15 and 16 is shown supporting awig or hairpiece, the wigs and hairpieces being shown in FIG. 1 inphantom line.

The structures of apparatus according to the present invention may bestbe seen with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows anapparatus such as apparatus 10 but having only first and second bases.However, for purposes of description, like structure will be representedby like reference numerals and therefore, first base of the apparatus ofFIG. 2 is designated by reference numeral 12, the second base of theapparatus of FIG. 2 is designated by reference numeral 14 and theelongated pin which spaces first and second bases 12 and 14 and verticalspaced relationship is designated by the reference numeral 18.

Considering initially the structure of first base 12, the base 12 can beseen to comprise an upper portion 22 which is contoured generally in theshape of a head and a lower portion 24 which serves as a pedestalwhereby the first base section may be supported by a suitable supportmeans, e. g., a table or the like. Formed in first base section 12 is alongitudinally axially vertically extending bore 26. Bore 26 is incommunication with a first counter-bore 28 which extends longitudinallyaxially vertically from the bottom or pedestal portion 24 of first basesection 12 at least partially vertically therethrough. The upper-end ofcounter-bore 28 defines a tapered shoulder 30, which tapered bore isdefined 'by the taper of the leading edge of the drill tool used to formcounter-bore 28. Similarly, there is formed adjacent the upper end oflongitudinally vertically axially extending bore 26 a taperedcounter-bore 32 which corresponds in shape to counter-bore 30.

Disposed within longitudinally vertically extending bore 26 is a baserod 34. Base rod 34 is secured within bore 26 by a first tapered washer36 which is press fitted onto rod 34 and shaped toconform to the conicaltaper of counter-bore 30. Rod 34 is secured at its upper end by a secondtapered washer 37 which is press fit onto base rod 34 and which isshaped to conform to the taper of tapered counter-bore 32. The outsidediameter of base rod 34 is substantially equal to the inside diameter oflongitudinally vertically axially extending bore 26.

and this, in cooperation with the effect of first tapered washer 36 andsecond tapered washer 37 with counterbores 30 and 32 provides for therigid disposition of base rod 34 within longitudinally verticallyaxially extending bore 26.

Formed in base rod 34 and extending longitudinally axially from theupper end thereof is a bore 38 which extends partially through base rod34. As will be discussed below in detail, bore 38 is provided to receivethe lower end of first elongated pin 18 so as to support second base 14thereabove.

Considering now the structure of second base 14, second base 14comprises a member the upper surface of which is contoured to define thegeneral shape of a head so as to provide a support surface for a wig ora hairpiece. The contour of the lower surface of second base member 14,may be any suitable shape desired by the designer and must only besufficient to provide for a bore and top rod for being supported abovefirst base 12 in a manner discussed below in detail. Formed in secondbase 14 is a longitudinally vertically axially extending bore 40. Bore40 is provided at its upper end with a tapered counter-bore 42 and atits lower end with a tapered counter-bore 44. Counter-bores 42 and 44are provided to accommodate the reception therein of tapered washers 46and 48 respectively.

Disposed within longitudinally vertically axially extending bore 40 is atop rod 50 which is rigidly secured within bore 40 by tapered washers 46and 48 which are press fit thereon in a manner generally known to thoseskilled in these arts.

Formed in the lower portion of top rod 50 is a first bore 52. Bore 52extends longitudinally axially through a portion of top rod 50.Similarly, formed in the upper portion of top rod 50 is a longitudinallyaxially extending bore 54. Bores 52 and 54 are coaxial and of a depthwhich is such as to preclude their communication.

As is evident from FIGS. 2 and 3b, elongated pin 18 is provided on itsupper end with a frusto-conically tapered surface 56. In this regard,the tapered surface of second bore 52 in top rod 50 is shaped to conformto the frusto-conical surface 56 of elongated pin 18. As may be bestseen in FIG. 2, the assembly of first and second bases 12 and 14,respectively, is achieved by slidably positioning the lower end of firstelongated pin 18 within axially extending bore 38 and the upperconically tapered surface 56 of elongated pin 18 within thefrusto-conically tapered first bore 52 of top rod 50. The machining ofthese parts is such as to provide a relatively firm friction fittherebetween so that the elements are rigidly secured when the parts areassembled but can be disassembled merely by a slight twisting and theexerting of a separating force.

Considering therefore the assembly of the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3,first base member 12 and second base member 14 may be formed by manymanufacturing procedures known generally to those skilled in this art.Particularly, bases 12 and 14 may be manufactured of plastic materialsand molded or otherwise manufactured of materials in manners knowngenerally to those skilled in these arts.

Thereafter, once the basic shape of the bases are formed, andconsidering initially first base 12, longitudinally vertically axiallyextending bore 26 is formed in conventional manner and thereaftercounter-bore 28 and therewith counter-bore 30 as well as counter-bore 32are formed therein. Base rod 34 is preformed and drilled to defineaxially extending bore 38 and is provided with first tapered washer 36thereon which may be secured thereto by press fitting or shrink fittingor like manufacuring processes. With first tapered washer 36 disposed onthe lower end of base rod 34, base rod 34 is slidably received withinlongitudinally vertically extending bore 26 until the tapered surface offirst washer 36 is in engagement with the tapered surface ofcounter-bore 30. Thereafter, second tapered washer 37 is rigidly securedto the upper end of base rod 34 by press fitting, shrink fitting or thelike and petitioned such as to provide that the tapered surface oftapered washer 37 is in surface to surface engagement with the taperedsurface of counter-bore 32. With the parts assembled in this manner,base rod 34 is rigidly secured within longitudinally vertically axiallyextending bore 26.

With second base member 14 assembled by molding or like processes,longitudinally axially extending bore 40 is formed therein byconventional bore forming means such as drilling or the like.Thereafter, and with top rod formed such as to have a first axiallyextending tapered bore 52 in its lower end and a second bore 54 in itsupper end, top rod 50 is provided at its lower end with a second taperedwasher 48 which may be press fit or shrink fit in the same manner aswashers 36 and 37 are provided on base rod 34. With second taperedwasher 48 positioned on top rod 50, top rod 50 is disposed withinaxially extending bore 40 in second base member 14 in such a manner asto engage the tapered conical surface of second tapered washer 48 withthe conical surface of tapered counter bore 44. With top rod 50 sodisposed, the first tapered washer 46 is secured thereto by pressfitting or shrink fitting in such a manner as to cause the engagement ofthe tapered conical surface of first tapered washer 46 with the taperedconical surface of tapered counter-bore 42. At this stage, the assemblyof first base member 12 and second base member 14 is complete.

Ignoring for the moment the positioning of a member to be supported, e.g., a wig or hairpiece, second base member 14 is disposed above firstbase member 12 by the provision of an elongated pin 18 such as to placethe base of the pin within the longitudinally axially extending bore 38in base rod 34 and its tapered conical surface 56 within the taperedconical first counter-bore 52 of top rod 50.

When it is desired to support a wig or hairpiece on the members, pin 18is positioned within an axially extending bore 38 in base rod 34 and thewig is positioned over pin 18 in such a manner as to cause the uppertapered conical end of pin 18 to pierce the interstices of the wig. Witha wig or hairpiece so positioned on the upper surface of first basemember 12, second base member 14 is positioned such as to receive theupper tapered conical surface 56 of elongated pin 18 within conicalcounter-bore 52 and thereafter a second wig or hairpiece may bepositioned on and supported by sec-' 0nd base member 14.

It may be noted that the upper surface of first and second base membersmay be called crown pieces in the wig industries. However, for purposesof the present disclosure they have been designated bases because thepresent invention may be utilized as a support means for supporting anymember in spaced relationship wherein it is necessary to avoid theoccurrence of contact of the surface of the supported member withadjacent surfaces.

Although it will be recognized that the foregoing detailed descriptionhas been with respect to a single embodiment of support means and withrespect to the support of wigs or hairpieces, the utilization of theinvention for purposes of supporting other structures wherein thepiercing of the structure to be supported is permitted will berecognized by those skilled in the art. Further, it will be recognizedthat various structural modifications can be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Specifically, the pedestal portion can besupported on a stand or by a wall bracket where desired, the structureof the pin 18 and its cooperation with bores 38 and 52 can be modifiedby shaping or the provision of washers such as to preclude relativerotational movement between the members, and set screws can be utilizedto positively lock the pin in position within its respective bores.

Accordingly, it is considered to be manifest that many variations andmodifications to the present invenion as disclosed in detail may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of members in spaced relation,comprising:

a first base for supporting a member;

bore means formed in said first base;

at least a second base for supporting a member;

a longitudinally extending bore formed in said second base;

elongated pin means having a first end and a second end, said first endfor being slidably received within said bore means in said first base,said second end being frusto-conically tapered, said elongated pin forbeing passed through a member being supported and for positioning saidfirst and second bases in spaced relation; and

a top rod rigidly disposed within said longitudinally axially extendingbore in said second base, said top rod comprising a generallycylindrical element having a longitudinally axially extendingcounterbore disposed therein, said counterbore being frustoconicallytapered such as to conform to the taper of said frusto-conical taper ofsaid elongated pin means and wherein said frusto-conically taperedelongated pin means is received within said frustoconically tapered borein said top rod.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further including a second boreformed within said top rod, said second bore being longitudinallyaxially extending and coaxially extending with said first bore, saidsecond bore being adapted to receive a second elongated pin means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said base rod and said top rodare rigidly secured within said bores in said first and second basemembers, respectively, by tapered washers rigidly secured thereto, saidtapered washers for cooperating with frusto-conically formedcounter-bores disposed within said bores in said first and second basemembers.

1. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of members in spaced relation,comprising: a first base for supporting a member; bore means formed insaid first base; at least a second base for supporting a member; alongitudinally extending bore formed in said second base; elongated pinmeans having a first end and a second end, said first end for beingslidably received within said bore means in said first base, said secondend being frusto-conically tapered, said elongated pin for being passedthrough a member being supported and for positioning said first andsecond bases in spaced relation; and a top rod rigidly disposed Withinsaid longitudinally axially extending bore in said second base, said toprod comprising a generally cylindrical element having a longitudinallyaxially extending counterbore disposed therein, said counterbore beingfrusto-conically tapered such as to conform to the taper of saidfrusto-conical taper of said elongated pin means and wherein saidfrusto-conically tapered elongated pin means is received within saidfrusto-conically tapered bore in said top rod.
 2. Apparatus according toclaim 1 and further including a second bore formed within said top rod,said second bore being longitudinally axially extending and coaxiallyextending with said first bore, said second bore being adapted toreceive a second elongated pin means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2wherein said base rod and said top rod are rigidly secured within saidbores in said first and second base members, respectively, by taperedwashers rigidly secured thereto, said tapered washers for cooperatingwith frusto-conically formed counter-bores disposed within said bores insaid first and second base members.